Provided below is an outline of some of the regulations that the Town administers that might affect a project you are currently planning or that you may consider in the future. Please click on the Town Office heading and then the Ordinance heading to view individual ordinances.

• Environmental Control and Improvement Ordinance: This Ordinance is a comprehensive regulatory plan to protect and enhance the public health and environment of the Town and to prevent threats to health and the environment posed by the discharge of pollutants to air, water and land. It provides for environmental regulation at the local level to further the polices found in federal and state environmental laws and regulations.

• Subdivision Ordinance: The subdivision regulations are part of the Environmental Ordinance and are triggered by the creation of three (3) or more lots or dwelling units within a five (5) year period. If you are planning to divide a lot or building into three (3) or more lots or units, you should contact the Town for additional information. Also, if you own property that is located within a previously approved subdivision, you should be aware that any changes to lot lines within that subdivision require prior approval from the Jay Planning Board.

• Minimum Lot Size: If a property is not located in a Subdivision, and is on:
• Town water and Town sewer, there is no minimum lot size.
• A private septic system, the minimum lot size is 20,000 square feet.

(If the property is located in a Subdivision, it would need to comply with the Town's Subdivision Ordinance, which is currently 150 ft. road frontage per lot and 40,000 sq. ft. per lot; multi-unit housing requires 20,000 sq. ft. per dwelling unit.)

• Setback Requirements: The Town's setback requirements are found in Chapter IV of the Town Way Ordinance and provide, in part, that structures shall be setback 25 feet from the center line of a roadway, or beyond the established right of way. Objects, other than structures that are placed within 25 feet of the centerline or within the right of way, are not the responsibility of the Town. See the Town Way Ordinance for specific requirements. Also note that additional setback requirements may be applicable to State highways. The Town does not have a setback requirement for side boundaries. Property deeds should always be reviewed for applicable requirements.

• Building Permits: The Town does not currently require building permits, unless your property is located in the Shoreland Zone or Floodplain. The Building Inspector is authorized by the Board of Selectmen to conduct inspections of multi-unit buildings, based on complaint, and utilizes the State of Maine 's NFPA – Life Safety 101 Regulations when conducting a compliance review.

• Shoreland Zoning: The official Shoreland Zoning Map of the Town is located in the Town Office. The Map highlights regulated areas around the Androscoggin River , Seven Mile Stream, Parker Pond, and many streams and wetland areas. The Shoreland Zone is comprised of four different districts, having similar and unique requirements. If your property is located near a waterbody, whether pond, river, brook or wetland, you should contact the Town prior to beginning any development.

• Floodplain Ordinance: The Town's Floodplain Ordinance regulates the flood areas around the Androscoggin River , Seven Mile Stream, and Parker Pond. Any work done in a floodplain area requires a permit from the Town. This includes filling and moving of earth, building, etc. Floodplain maps are available at the Town Office for determining whether or not your property is located within the flood zone.

• Utility Installation: Maine statutes require utilities to obtain certification from municipalities prior to installing services, unless specifically exempted. The certification provides that all local permits and/or approvals, if any, required under Subdivision and Shoreland Zoning requirements have been issued and are current. All utilities should require you to submit a Municipal Certification Form to them prior to obtaining their services. You will need to bring the Municipal Certification Form (obtained from the utility) along with a completed Utility Installation Form and a copy of your Deed to the Town Office. Note: The Form may not be approved upon presentation if further research is required. (click here for utility installation form)
  
  
• Junkyard and Automobile Graveyards: The Town of Jay has begun actively enforcing the State of Maine Junkyard and Automobile Graveyard regulations ( MRSA Title 30-A § 3751-3760 ). If you have 3 or more unregistered/uninspected vehicles or parts thereof on your property, you may be in violation of these regulations. Please contact the Code Department to discuss your options. Copies of the regulations are available upon request and online at www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/30-A/title30-Ach183sec0.html

This outline is not meant to provide comprehensive guidance to the Town's many regulations. We would encourage you to call the Town Office if you have any questions or if you need assistance determining if any of the Town's regulations apply to your project.